John Keating
...who changed his ways for no one and tried to pass on individualism, determination,
free thinking, and living life to its fullest in a time when free thinking was stifled and people were
dangerous if they did things their own way.
In more ways than one John Keating affected Neil Perry and the way he lived his life.
Neil's every move was directed by his father. His father claimed that he had "opportunities that
he'd never had," and constantly pushed him to become a doctor. Neil felt trapped, because his
passion was acting, and he knew his father would never accept that.
When Neil began John Keating's English class, his behavior and thinking began to change
rapidly. He started doing his own thing, like the Dead Poet's Society, and tried out for the lead
part in a play, and when he got it, sat down at a typewriter and forged his father's permission in
order to take part in it. He began enjoying life more, feeling like he was accomplishing something.
He became more determined he defied his father right up until his father informed him he'd be
going to military school, and after that, medical school. But in the end he gave up, and all of the
changes that he'd undergone prompted him to take action again, and because he saw no other
action to take, he shot himself. John Keating's lessons stuck with him to the end.
Todd Anderson was a shy, scared guy who felt unimportant and worthless. His parents
had never made an effort with him, never took the time to get to know him, never paid much
attention to him at all. When he started school he would hardly open him mouth to introduce
himself when people prompted him.
Keating, however, would not allow this and purposefully made him compose a poem
right off the top of his head in front of everyone in the class. Keating proved a point that he did
have things...
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